LOGAN TWP. — A proposed amendment to the closure of the East Landfill on Route 130 would change the process as it was previously approved.

The East Landfill, which is in the Solutia property on Route 130, was in use from 1978 through 1987. In that time it received both hazardous and non-hazardous waste. In 1988 a plan was approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to close and cover the landfill with a soil/clay cap.

A new proposal would modify that plan to include a lightweight, exposed geomembrane covering the landfill, according to Maranda Demuth, a spokeswoman for Eastman Chemical Company, which now owns Solutia.

“This will be followed by a 30-year post-closure period during which Solutia will adhere to a testing/monitoring program to ensure the integrity of the geomembrane cover as well as adequate de-watering and consolidation of landfill sludge,” she said in an emailed statement. "During the post-closure period, the geomembrane cover will be replaced as necessary, based on results of the testing/monitoring program. Upon having ensured adequate consolidation of the landfilled sludge, Solutia will install a conventional clay cover to finally close the landfill.”

Solutia manufactures chemicals that are used in products such as laminated glass, rubber processing chemicals and window films, as well as chemicals used in architectural, automotive and electric devices. Its headquarters is in Town and Country, Mo.

The modification to the cap system requires approval from the DEP’s Bureau of Landfill and Hazardous Waste Permitting, which is asking for public comment regarding the amendment.

“They were concerned the cap was too heavy and it could push down into the landfill,” said Larry Hanja, a spokesman for the DEP. “There was concern that if there was too much pressure, the liner could be compromised.”